Word Origin & History

1540s, "one who enters into a contract," from Late Latin contractor, agent noun from past participle stem of Latin contrahere (see contract (n.)); specifically of "one who enters into a contract to provide work, services, or goods" from 1724.

Example Sentences for contractor

He was standing in front of the building, discussing some matter with the contractor.

Later on, his father, as a contractor for the army, had made a considerable fortune.

He can call for them at any time, and the contractor must deliver them into his charge.

Terms as low as those of any other contractor for the same kind and style of work.

He's a contractor himself, who furnishes labor for the quarries.

“Quite sufficient for any decent woman,” retorted the contractor.

But engineer and contractor had something better to do than admire the view.

Seven long years of day-laboring, then he became a sub-contractor, then a contractor.